Revamped dance drama 'Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva' rings in the New Year
Updated: 2025-01-03
A stage photo of the dance drama "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" captured on Dec 31, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A new rendition of the dance drama "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" premiered at the Shanxi Grand Theatre in Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi province, on Dec 31.
Directed by renowned director Zhang Jigang, the reimagined production featured two shows: an early evening performance at 7 pm and a special New Year's Eve presentation at 10 pm.
Zhang said the iconic imagery of the "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of his home province Shanxi, particularly the magnificent statues of the Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva at Jinge Temple in Wutai county of Xinzhou city, and the thousand-eyed, thousand-handed Bodhisattva at Chongshan Temple in Taiyuan.
A stage photo of the dance drama "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" captured on Dec 31, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The journey of "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" began in 2005, when Zhang choreographed the dance for the Spring Festival gala, which became an instant sensation. In 2011, he expanded it into a full-length dance drama, which gained admiration from both home and abroad. Over time, it has grown into a cultural symbol cherished by the Chinese people.
This latest adaptation preserves the core themes of harmony, compassion and selflessness of the original dance drama. It conveys a timeless message: a kind heart filled with love can extend a thousand hands to help people in need.
Zhang expressed his hope that his creative team would embody the spirit of lamplighters, illuminating not only their own paths but also using the light of art to inspire audiences everywhere.
A stage photo of the dance drama "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" captured on Dec 31, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A stage photo of the dance drama "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" captured on Dec 31, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A stage photo of the dance drama "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" captured on Dec 31, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A stage photo of the dance drama "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" captured on Dec 31, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A stage photo of the dance drama "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" captured on Dec 31, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
